Martina Navratilova, Jason Collins Urge IOC to Show Support For Gay Athletes

Martina Navratilova addresses a discussion on the theme, “Sport comes out against homophobia,” held in observance of Human Rights Day at United Nations headquarters. Navratilova and former NBA player Jason Collins appeared at the U.N. to urge world sports bodies like the International Olympic Committee and FIFA to do more to support gay athletes during a special event celebrating International Human Rights Day. (Photo: AP)

"The IOC needs to stand up better for their athletes quite frankly," Navratilova told reporters.

"It's (also) what happens after, and it's not just one country, it's many countries." (Photo: AP)

Text: PTI

Responding to questions about the upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games in Sochi, Russia, where some have criticised authorities for an aggressive stance towards sexual minorities, Collins said the focus should be on the local lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community.

"Once the games leave, all those people are still going to be there oppressed," Collins said. (Photo: AP)

Text: PTI

Navratilova said gays and lesbians "seem to be the last group of people that it's still ok to pick on for whatever reason in whatever way", adding that the abuse ranges from being bullied in school to being denied basic rights, incarcerated or sentenced for acts punishable by death in certain countries. (Photo: AP)

Text: PTI

"Sport and politics are inextricably combined. They go hand in hand," she said urging athletes who are also members of the LGBT community to be more visible.

"Get in their face. Once you're visible, you make it personal." (Photo: AP)